President, PM praises security forces for successful IBOs in Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan
Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) killed 15 terrorists linked to the Indian-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij in two separate operations on November 15 and 16, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
The first operation took place in the Kalachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district, based on intelligence about the presence of terrorists. Security forces targeted the terrorists’ hideout and killed 10 terrorists, including the group’s top commander, Alam Mehsud, the ISPR said.
According to the ISPR statement, the second operation was conducted in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, where five more terrorists were killed. Clearing and decontamination efforts are underway in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining operators.
“Fitna al-Khwarij” is the state’s term for militants associated with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Later, it branded Balochistan-based terrorist organizations as “Fitna-al-Hindustan” to emphasize its allegation of India’s involvement in terrorism and destabilizing activities in Pakistan.
The campaign against terrorism, carried out under the strategy “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee, will continue with full force of security and law enforcement agencies to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorist elements.
Read: 34 terrorists killed in several KP operations
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have praised the security forces for their successful operations against Fitna al-Khawarij in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan.
In a statement, the President said that the elimination of foreign-backed terrorists from Pakistan will continue with national consensus. He added that the killing of terrorists, including the group’s leader Alam Mehsud, who was supported by Indian forces, reflects the effectiveness of the security forces’ strategy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the security forces are achieving significant victories in the fight against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands with the armed forces and reiterated Pakistan’s determination to eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the professional capacity of Pakistan’s security forces for eliminating 15 Indian-sponsored terrorists in KP.
In a statement, Naqvi said he hails the security forces for bringing the terrorists to an “exemplary end”, adding that they have once again foiled the evil intentions of the Indian-backed terror groups.
He said the nation highly respects the actions of the security forces for their continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in KP.
